Game 146: Thrown to the wolves

A week and a half ago, Jesus Montero made his big league debut. The Yankees didn’t exactly baby him; his first game was in Fenway Park with Jon Lester on the bump. Montero responded by scoring the game-winning run, and he’s gone on to play well in his limited action. Although we saw Austin Romine catch yesterday, he gets his first career start tonight. His assignment? Felix Hernandez, in a park that is unkind to right-handed hitters like himself. Welcome to the big leagues kid, here’s Felix. Fun fun fun. Here’s the starting nine…

Joe Girardi has done extensive scouting reports and found that no Mariners hitter has hit the ball to first base this year, but there have been many to right field

Reggie C.

You mean Swisher is playing 1B, right?

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Phil Hughes CGSHO you heard it here phirst!

mbonzo

I work with a lot of “Yankee fans” and they think Romine is another scrub catcher who can really field, but can’t hit a lick. Boy are the unknowing Yankee fans in for a surprise when Romine comes to hit.

If Martin and Cervelli go down, they only have 2 weeks to figure out who can catch. They need to learn this rotation asap, and the only way to do that is to catch.

Thomas Cassidy

I think Martin will be fine, it’s just a bruised thumb I believe. I just want to see him hit. It seems like every game he plays in he hits a home run (I know he only has three, but it’s about time he’s up).

I really thought Cashman was a fucking idiot to not deal Nova, Montero and Nunez for Lee. Whoops.

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

I like how you guys used a picture of Gary Sheffield fighting that Red Sawk fan for the Magic Number sidebar.

The only World Series the Yankees lost that Yankee fans, in general, look back on with much scorn.

Game 7 sucked. Games 4 and 5 were about as magical as it gets.

Kramerica Industries

Err, don’t look back on with much scorn.

Pat D

Bullshit. That World Series capped off the worst year of my life. That still pisses me off more than 2004 does. Yea, I said it.

Kramerica Industries

Pretty long odds tonight. Yankees haven’t beaten Felix since May 2008 – it’s been six starts since then, and only in two did the Yankees come close to winning (a Mo blown save and Jobber implosion being the reasons they didn’t).

I wouldn’t be disappointed with a loss just because of the odds against. Hopefully, they’re due to hit Felix just enough to pull out a win. Would be nice to stretch the division lead to four, and lower the magic number to 10. It got really friggen frustrating seeing it stuck at 12 for five days.

Ethan

just out of curiosity, how many times did Felix win the game?

Kramerica Industries

He won four or five times, at least.

He threw two CG’s and an eight-inning, 0 ER performance last year alone. He won the game back in July, and I think he won the game back in May as well.

In fact, I think he threw a CG in the walk-off win the M’s had against Mo in 2009 as well. That would give him six wins in those six games.

There’s no shame in being owned by Felix. It is hard to believe, however, that a pitcher on a team with an unbelievably wretched offense has managed to always keep the Yankees at least one run lower in every occasion. Hopefully tonight is the bucking of a three year trend.

I don’t expect this lineup to do much against King Felix. Nor do I expect Hughes to hold one of the most anemic offenses down. He’s probably going to make them look like batting champions. Argh.

http://www.twitter.com/bgeary8 bgeary

I’m not arguing and saying that Montero should be a platoon player, but I wouldn’t point to 30 PA to prove it.

ultimate913

In Romine’s defense, he’ll be calling the pitches against the M’s offense, which is almost non-existent.

So we can downgrade those wolves to puppies or something less harmless. Much. Less. Harmless.

mbonzo

Romine is used to calling games against AA hitters.

BigBlueAL

So Girardi is starting Romine ahead of Montero because “Romine has been considered one of the top defensive catching prospects in baseball, so that’s why I brought him in.”

So being one of the top defensive catching prospects in baseball while not exactly lighting it up offensively at AA is better than being the universally regarded best hitting catching prospect in baseball who has already proven to be able to hit major league pitching.

Anyone else think with Girardi as manager Montero has no chance in hell of being the everyday C for the Yankees? Hell looks like he might not even be the backup C for the Yankees next year if Girardi values defense at catcher so much.

JobaWockeeZ

What he said.

BigBlueAL

Also Romine caught Hughes when he pitched a rehab game in Trenton this year. Real great logic. Never mind the fact that facing King Felix we need all the bats we can have in the lineup.

Gonna be interesting to see if Martin doesnt catch tomorrow who starts at C between Romine and Montero.

Ivan

I mean I wouldnt look too much into it. I agree to a certain extent that it is a bummer Montero is not catching, but I think the organization will work hard with Montero on his defense.

I remember Utley being a terrible 2nd baseman coming up and after years of work, became a very good defender.

CMP

Funny thing is most scouting reports I’ve read rates Romines defense as pretty average at best.

No one is gonna mistake Romine for Pudge Rodriquez behind the dish.

http://twitter.com/#!/Paddock9652 Stratman9652

At least Montero is not with the Angels, he would be playing second fiddle to a guy hitting under .200 with zip for power.

BigBlueAL

With Girardi’s logic dont be too sure Montero is that much better off with the Yankees.

Jetrer

Montero is only 21, Girardi not considering him ready to be everyday catcher now doesn’t mean that will still apply next year, or into the future
that said, I would rather he not be the every day catcher anyways, every day catchers usually only start 120-130 games/year, being primary DH/BU catcher should allow him to start at least 150 games/year with much less wear and tear

Montero gets the “doesn’t know the pitching staff” excuse as for why he doesn’t catch, but Romine gets the start right away. I understand Martin and Cervelli may not be available, so it had to be one of them, but I think it’s pretty clear Girardi and the coaches don’t trust Montero’s defense just yet. Then again it’s been barely a week since he’s been here, so maybe I’m wrong.

BigBlueAL

Just read Girardi’s pre-game quotes tonight. Salivates over Romine’s defensive skills. Stupid but it is what it is.

James

It’s gonna get harder and harder for Cashman to talk up Montero as a viable everyday catcher if his own manager doesn’t trust him.

V

That’s what you get when your manager was a good defensive catcher, but mediocre hitter. Call it the ‘Scioscia effect’.

JobaWockeeZ

A part of him must have died everyday in 2009 and 2010 when he inserts Jorge as catcher.

Kramerica Industries

Sidenote – the Tigers are really laying it to the White Sox of late.

Going back to the SNB game a week ago, the Tigers have scored 32 runs in their last 15 innings against White Sox pitching. Holy shit.

Kramerica Industries

Rays win.

Make the wild card race three games. And the magic number will only go down with a Yankee victory.

Would be a good night all-around in that case.

Foghorn Leghorn

i will crap my pants if the Rays catch the Sox.

forensic

The utter and obvious lack of faith in Montero’s defense really just makes it even more assinine that they left him in the minors all season. Not that there was ever any doubt, but it clear that he’s a catcher in name only and they’ve just been blowing smoke about his improvements and such.

Jetrer

or he has improved, but still has room to improve further
he’s only 21, not many catchers are MLB ready at 21

BigBlueAL

But Romine at 22 and having only played 4 games at AAA and not having an MLB bat like Montero already has is ready??

Jetrer

he might be farther along defensively, not all catchers start at the same level and not all catchers develop at the same pace
Romine being ahead of Montero now defensively doesn’t mean Montero can’t still develop into an adequate defensive catcher
As far as the bat, clearly Montero is ahead of Romine, I’m guessing Joe G figured runs are gonna be hard to come by today with or without Montero, so he doesn’t want the defense giving up any cheap runs.

forensic

Yeah, I’m sure that’s it. It’s not like they’re playing a 22 year old who was called up from AA about 30 hours ago, not to mention the defensive replacing of him yesterday.

Jetrer

clearly they think Romine is better defensively right now. That doesn’t mean Montero can’t still improve enough to be at least adequate defensively

forensic

I don’t see it happening, personally. He’s had years to almost exclusively work on his defense apparently without much improvement, so little that the organization isn’t even sold on it. The sad thing is I don’t think Romine will be much of a hitter at all in the majors.

Jetrer

and most 21 yo catchers in the minors have had years to work on their defense in college and/or minors and aren’t MLB ready. Catching at the MLB is very difficult and for most catchers takes a long time to refine. I think next season will be the real test for Montero, I think 21 is too young to come to any final conclusion about his defense. I do doubt he becomes the everyday catcher though, I think he’s more likely to be primary DH/ BU catcher, and maybe move to first after Tex is gone. Given his bat, that would probably work out better anyways, allowing him to play more games with less wear and tear.

forensic

Next year, when he’s again not allowed to catch is somehow going to test him? He’ll again probably be #4, or lower, on Girardi’s depth chart.

Jetrer

I’m holding out hope that he will catch at least once a week, but he can still improve his skills in pregame workouts. He wouldn’t be lower than #3 anyways, they aren’t going to carry 4 catchers on the roster.

forensic

They won’t carry 4 catchers, but clearly romine would be ahead of him, even if he’s in AAA.

nedro

Iffy lineup or not, a strong outing by Hughes would go a longway toward….
Wait, wtf am I thinking. He’ll be in the pen, no matter what happens.

first time lawng time

Teixeira got new batting gloves it looks like.

Karl Krawfid

Tex closed his stance.

Rainbow Pinstripes

I still think Montero should be in there every day so they can decide if he gets a post season spot.

Oh, and Manny got arrested. Ha.

Jetrer

I think he pretty much has a postseason spot wrapped up. The only question is how big of a role he has.

“Boy that escalated quickly. I mean that really got out of hand fast!”

Cy Pettitte

eww.

nedro

Nasty.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

We’re just getting a preview of our #2 starter next year.

Pat D

That’s insane.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

I wasn’t serious…

Pat D

Oh, ok.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Phil’s gonna Phuckin’ dominate this lineup…

John

Typical play that Gardner steals from Granderson for UZR.

Rey22

How huge has the Chavez signing been? With A-Rod missing so much time this year think of all the extra Nunez we’d have to put up with this year if it wasn’t for him.

Karl Krawfid

Him catching that pop up brought back great memories for you I see.

Rey22

It just kinda hit me. He’s been great.

Karl Krawfid

He’s been great no doubt about it. I remember him helping us beat Texas. And Boston.

Cy Pettitte

Cashman’s big ‘ol scrap pile worked out pretty darn well this year.

Bob Stone

It was just amazingly good luck.

SevenAces

Remember how everyone ridiculed us?

mbonzo

Nasty Phil.

nedro

Huuuuughes….

Tyrion Lannister

Phil can still be the #4 starter in the playoffs. He needs a good showing tonight. CC, Nova, Colon are locked in but that 4th spot is still up for grabs.

Karl Krawfid

Starting Swish is dumb.

Yankees always do this shit.

Cy Pettitte

Detroit is scary hot right now with the bats, wow.

Karl Krawfid

Playing Chicago.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Haha that’s awesome…In the “King’s Court” Phans hold up K signs but the lone Yankee fan held up a sign that said hit.

Cy Pettitte

Leiter: “so you get the ticket AND the shirt for $30? that’s pretty cool.”

he’s mystified because in NY it’d be another $30 for the shirt on top of the ticket

Rey22

Plus another $10 for the K sign.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Supply and demand is a bitch.

Tyrion Lannister

And it’s clear that the Mariners took the wrong deal. Montero > Smoak.

CBean

I was looking forward to Montero’s HR against King Felix and rubbing it in their face. This was how it was going to go in my head.

Cy Pettitte

Montero could have done that.

mbonzo

Thanks for Montero Smoak.

Hummingbird S.

Maybe we can keep it scoreless till the 11th when Felix exits the game and we go for the win

Bob Stone

Let’s go Gardy – Steal Second!

Hummingbird S.

Let him steal first and then bunt..

Hummingbird S.

that works as well

Cy Pettitte

steal then bunt him to 3rd

Cy Pettitte

actually, I like their version better.

Bob Stone

Dickerson!!

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

here comes Romine 3 run home run!!!

CBean

Woo! Hitting, better than bunting.

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Anybody else having slight lagging issues with the broadcast feed?

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Nevermind, all fixed.

Tyrion Lannister

In the future we have to play Nunie in right to give us more offense.

Hummingbird S.

Gardner should have gone… now a DP and its over

mbonzo

Yea, I think you have to be more aggressive versus Hernandez.

Greg

There goes the DP

Bob Stone

Gardy should have scored on that fly ball.

teddy

i would tried it

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Wow, C-Dick’s tearing shit up this inning.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Haha C-Dick’s
Phunny, Phunny, Phunny

SevenAces

Amazing how no one has made any funny comments about this YET.

Cy Pettitte

Dickerson brings the grit

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Chris Dickerson is sexy.

Karl Krawfid

atta boy Dickerson

nedro

Jeter sucks?

Ethan

wow first pitch was well off the plate.

Ethan

damn it

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

There’s your run, Philbert.

teddy

good job jeter

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Holy shit we scored against Felix.

CBean

Runs!

C

Alright let’s see a shutdown inning, Phil. Feels like Yanks have been struggling in that department lately…

C

Nope.

swishers fauxhawk

Well, it’s one.

Hummingbird S.

If only we could have gotten a hit with RISP, but at least we got a run. Now its up to Phil!

mbonzo

Trayvon Robinson was a steal by the Mariners.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

I like Ground ball Phil over Phly ball Phil.

Tom

3-2 curve to the #8 hitter…

Hummingbird S.

I wish Hughes could command his fastball, it would make things a lot easier

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Robinson grounds one to Robinson.

Tom

What do folks think of the off day at DH philsophy?
(I’m not a huge fan of it)

Bob Stone

I don’t care for it either.

forensic

Girardi’s love for it and the long-term contracts for old people is a part of why I find it funny when people say Montero will just be the full-time dh.

Bryan

Good to see Romine picking this curves out of the dirt.

Bob Stone

Hughes command tonight is lacking.

Hummingbird S.

common story for him.. it seems like he cant throw a fastball down and away

Brandon

Hate to say it, but if Cervelli has another concussion, it could just be better for his health to retire. This can have some serious long term effects.

Bob Stone

I agree – This is serious. I feel for Cervelli.

Karl Krawfid

Fransisco Cervelli sucks.

The catching situation should be the last thing on Joe G’s mind.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

I smell a 1-0 Phinal. 8 shutout innings for Phil.

Bob Stone

From your lips to God’s ears – but Phil’s command so far is not great.

Bryan

Hughes command is definitely lacking. What happened to it?

Hummingbird S.

Its been a while since Hughes could command his fastball to either side of the plate and keep it down.

Tom

You mean Phull count Phil? When you don’t trust your fastball you nibble…

He threw a 3-2 curve to the #8 hitter in one of the best pitcher’ parks in baseball.

Bob Stone

It is really incredible how little attention there is on Mariano chasing 601 saves.

mbonzo

Phucking Ichiro.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

That was a stupid 0-2 pitch

JT

A hanging curveball is a bad pitch in any count. All of his pitches are below average offerings this year. Hopefully he turns it around next year.

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Awesome, Phil.

Hummingbird S.

terrible pitch selection. Ichiro cant get hit the fastball.

Karl Krawfid

Hughes folks.

Matt

Ichiro cannot catch up to a fastball anymore, so let’s throw him an 0-2 curveball! Awesome pitch selection!

mbonzo

There is more logic in my fishtank.

Matt

Why didn’t you comment on any of the other posts which just said the exact same thing? Oh right, because you are obsessed with me. Once again proving that you lack credibility.

mbonzo

No one was mad at him throwing a curveball, he missed his spot though. You think you should throw a fastball on an 0-2 pitch to one of the best hitters who, despite what you thin, has not been slumping the last month.

Tom

Ichiro against fastball this year -14.9 runs
Ichiro against curveball this year +5.9 runs (and the pitch type he hits the best against)

mbonzo

Pitch Type Values isn’t really a meaningful stat.

Matt

But I’m sure you will use it plenty when it suits your own argument? You are hilarious. Not only do the eyes show that Ichiro cannot catch up to the fastball, but the numbers even back it up.

Stop before you dig yourself an even deeper hole. If you were hoping to get the entire blog to gang up on me, you failed miserably, because my argument is very obviously correct.

mbonzo

Right, a relatively new stat that you can’t even explain to me proves a point about Phil Hughes being wrong when throwing his out-pitch on an 0-2 count. I don’t lead anybody in “ganging up on you”, you do it by yourself. You need to understand the fundamentals of baseball before you start touting how you know more than the professionals. When it comes down to it, you throw your breaking ball out of the zone on an 0-2 pitch, and Hughes missed his spot.

Your mind is doing mental gymnastics at this point to try and prove to yourself that there is some sort of RAB conspiracy to disagree with you, the fact is that your ideas are batshit crazy.

Matt

Right, I need to understand the fundamentals of baseball? You need to get off your high horse and stop thinking you own this blog.

When a hitter cannot catch up to your fastball, and has been totally unable to make the adjustment not only within the game, but across two starts against the same pitcher, that clearly shows that you need to throw him offspeed pitches?

Throwing the curveball on 0-2 was pointless, because the only way Ichiro was going to beat you in that at bat was if you hung him a pitch. Elevate the fastball even more in the zone and try to get him to chase, since he might try to cheat on the pitch and is an aggressive hitter.

Not a single poster on this blog agreed with you, not one. Give it up. The only one playing mental gymnastics is you, who is still trying to convince himself that he somehow has credibility.

Matt

And it’s hard for you to argue that it isn’t about your obsession with me when you continue to pull at straws to keep this argument going, even though every argument (statistical, logical, observational) points the opposite way.

Your only argument is to suggest that all other arguments are wrong. Maybe that’s a sign to you that it’s time to reconsider your viewpoint, unless of course your only purpose is to incite a flame war.

mbonzo

I only argue when I disagree, and you say a lot of illogical stuff. I don’t need commentors to agree with me, there is a professional pitcher and catcher that agree with me because thats how you play baseball, use your outpitches when you’re 0-2. You’re taking this way too personally.

Matt

How much do you want to bet that he will not respond to this post?

Ichiro is not the hitter that he once was. He’s older and his bat speed has diminished. He hasn’t caught up to Hughes’ fastball in either of his two starts against Seattle, and it’s obvious that he is struggling in general to get to that pitch (just watch how much the pitch is beating him by his swings).

Bryan

Yes because Hughes’ fastball has been fooling people all year.

Hummingbird S.

Ichiro has shown he cant get around on that fastball. Why throw anything else?

Jetrer

his fastball has been above average in terms of results, his curveball has been well below average in effectiveness

Matt

Yes, because Ichiro isn’t 37 years old, has caught up to the fastball all night, and is worth positive runs against the fastball this year?

Oh wait, none of that is true. Maybe you want to get the facts right before you criticize.

Tom

Don’t know what impact Romine has but Phil should be smarter.

3-2 curve to the #8 hitter (and a walk) also was costly. No reason to throw a curve to a hitter like Ichiro who’s going to flick his wrists and wave the bat at it… even located down, it’s a bad pitch.

JT

His curveball has fallen a long way from his prospect days.

mbonzo

Verducci effect.

Chip

You know, I think there is really something to that this year. Hopefully he shows up pumping 95 mph fastballs again with good break on his curve next season.

JT

I don’t remember it being that good last year either.

Jetrer

it wasn’t

David N

Damn, Sterling is pissed.

CBean

About?

David N

Giving Ichiro a pitch to hit on 0-2.

Karl Krawfid

Joe G is a dick.

Let Posada catch Mo shit.

mbonzo

Why?

Nogomo

Don’t feed the troll.

CBean

First inning Phil is not 3rd inning Phil.

tut

0-2 base hit. How predictable Phil.

Chip

Ugh, the curve really wasn’t working for Phil that inning. He needs a good breaking ball badly

Bryan

Teix message!

teddy

great job teix

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Tex owns Felix.

Karl Krawfid

Keep that stance closed Tex.

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Yay Teixeira hit a changeup!

Cy Pettitte

holy shit. Teix launched one into orbit.

Bob Stone

Awright Tex!!!!!!!!!!!!!

flamingo

NO WAY

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Waaa waaa waaa , Tex shouldn’t hit third against RHP.

Mickey Mantle’s Outstanding Experience

I’m glad someone’s as tired of those comments as I am.

forensic

I always find it entertaining when people who always laud sample sizes use one AB to support their point.

Esteban

Teix can’t hit good pitching.

pop up teixeira

got that run back!

Chip

AJ Burnett?

CBean

Man Tex is useless…wait what?

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Motherphucking Phil Hughes couldn’t throw a phucking shutdown inning if the phate of the world depended on it.

Who is this guy who looks like King Felix? Some rookie the Mariners called up?

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Over/Under on runs given back by Hughes this inning is at 1.5

Bob Stone

I hoping for the Under.

Bob Stone

C’mon Phil. Let’s win this game.

Greg

That’s very telling

Three worst outings of the year by Felix

Toronto, Boston, New York

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

All that says is AL East >> AL West. It doesn’t mean I wouldn’t love to have Felix on the Yankees.

Chip

You know, it wouldn’t surprise me to see either C-Dick or Maxwell as the backup outfielder next season.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Both are out of options, Golson two. Two of the three will probably be gone, maybe all three.

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

How dare you leave out Greg Golson! He’s Yankee Royalty you know!

Cy Pettitte

Phil blows it by him with the 91mph “high heat”

Chip

Nice, I nailed that trivia question

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

I thought it was Sabathia.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

What was it? And the answer?

Chip

Lowest ERA through first 10 starts against the Yankees. The answer was AJ

Alex s

I missed it. What was the answer?

Bob Stone

Phil – Let’s get some control going here. It’s your game to win or lose.

teddy

thats a strike

JT

0-2 to 4-2
the story of his f-ing life

Cy Pettitte

Phil is just TOO generous. always giving back.

Ethan

Lol maybe Burnett is worth part of his salary from the fact that he is not beating the Yankees. Say he got 0.3 WAR per game he pitched and won 3 games against the Yankees that would be almost 1 WAR per year, approximately a $5 million contract

Bob Stone

Interesting. He was a Yankee killer with Toronto.

Greg

Now we know that Girardi will not be shy about taking Hughes out.

Tom

Phive Phull counts on the last 7 hitters by Mr Ephicieny

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

+1

JT

Is a ball put in play counted as a strike? even if its a hr?

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Yep, every single ball in play is considered a strike.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

What about with ground balls and fly balls? When someone says a pitcher has say an 8/9 GB/FB ratio are those just the outs or is it the hits as well?

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Outs only.

Hummingbird S.

what a shitty job by Hughes once again.. cant even do well against the worst offense in the league

I don’t know how anyone can bet money on baseball. It is just too crazy to predict game to game.

mbonzo

Yup, long term bets I might think about, but there is no way I’d put money on a game or series.

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Phil Hughes just can’t phucking have a shutdown inning can he?

Karl Krawfid

73 pitches in 4 innings against this team?

Come the hell on Phil.

mbonzo

Hughes out pitches pretty much the best pitcher in the AL West and you’re angry about his pitch count.

Tom

19 pitches in the first 2 innings
53 pitches in the next 2 innings

If he can figure out how to put batters away when he has them 0-2, 1-2 he could be good…. without a couple of mph’s on the fastball, he really needs another pitch or he’s going to struggle with efficiency (he had a stretch of 5 full counts over 7 batters)

HyShai

Hughes rubs up so many balls he must be gay. #fouls

Mojo

Is Granderson slumping? Seems like his average has dropped precipitously since late August / early September? Has anyone noticed any particular trends or mechanical failures in his swing?

Greg

He has been slumping himself out of an MVP award.

Bob Stone

So true. He had it locked.

Mojo

Yeah, I’ve noticed. Sucks because I don’t think there’s a single player in baseball more deserving of such accolades. A great guy Grandy is, hopefully he’ll snap out of it at the right time. Can’t have too many funks falling into the playoffs.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

He shouldn’t have won it anyway.

Bob Stone

Who do you think deserves the award . . . at this point?

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Bautista. Leads MLB in OBP (11 points) and SLG (48 points), played two positions. I don’t care that his teammates are terrible.

Bob Stone

Are you ignoring the argument about most “VALUABLE” not best player? He has played great but what has it done to help his team make the playoffs? Nothing.

I think Verlander wins based on “Valuable” – Cy Young award arguments aside.

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

I don’t see the difference between “valuable” and “best.” Same thing to me.

Take Bautista off the Jays, and they’d be worse off than the Yankees would be if you took away Granderson. One team being in contention and the other not has much more to do with the other 48 players than Bautista and Granderson.

Bob Stone

Good points. But the defintion of the award has been a problem with the voters for a long time.

Mickey Mantle’s Outstanding Experience

That’s only because voters warp the definition to fit their narrative. The rules of the award explicitly define value as “strength of offense and defense”. There is absolutely no mention of team record.

forensic

But by that thinking you’re saying that nobody on a good team should ever win it since they have more good players backing them up making the team not as bad without them.

Chip

Can you imagine how bad they’d be without him? He’s the most valuable guy on that team by far and really they haven’t had a bad season. They’d be in second place if they played in the central. Are you really going to take the MVP away from him because the Blue Jays play in the wrong division?

Bob Stone

Iwouldn’t take it away but the voters will. How many times has a great player’s performance been overlooked becuase his team did not make the play-offs?

mbonzo

The way I think of it, helping a team make the playoffs just means you’re at the right place at the right time, thats not something you can put “value” on.

Value has to be earned.

Greg

You still think Bautista?

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Joey Bats gets it. Especially if the Red Sox miss the playoffs.

Greg

That’s strange cause I have heard next to nothing about him winning the MVP. Almost nothing. And not just on ESPN, almost everywhere.

Bob Stone

Most have said Gonzalez, Ellsbury, Granderson and Verlander.

Chip

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong and maybe. Bautista has been by far the best player in baseball this season. He’s got the same problem as Matt Kemp in the NL that he just is on a bad team.

Bob Stone

Very true and that is why he wont’ win.

forensic

He’s hitting .150 (12-80) with 30 strikeouts and an ops under .700 in his last 22 games.

Montero’s Mojo

Holy shit that’s bad. I saw that he set a new franchise record for strike outs. That’s embarrassing. What happened to good Grandy? I miss him.

Mickey Mantle’s Outstanding Experience

He hit a 2 run HR, yesterday, in a 1 run win.

Montero’s Mojo

If you strike out 9 times and hit 1 HR… that’s good? Is Granderson Mark Reynolds now? Hitting the occasional bomb doesn’t mean good Grandy’s back.

flamingo

Good at bat by Tex

teddy

kay is on crack

swishers fauxhawk

Tex working the count? #ycpb

Cy Pettitte

pour it on. I wanna see Brackman or Betances.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

It would make great sense to go that route if it turns into a blowout. Romine has caught Betances this year.

If Kay talks about Granderson’s average again and the MVP I’m going to go nuts, we’re voting for the 2011 MVP, not the 1943 MVP, we have a ton of much better ways to evaluate value and the greatness of a season, and while he merits consideration the point is winning as a team, not winning MVPs. I’d be thrilled for Curtis or Robbie if they did win, but I’d be a lot happier if the Yankees won the world series. And I don’t give a shit what Curtis is hitting, he’s had a great season

MikeD

Ehh, he’s slumping. I expect a hot finish. More importantly, I want him hot in the postseason. If he’s going to hit his first extended slump of the season, better now than October.

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Swish fail

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

If you’re going to kill a rally, do it the Chris Dickerson way.

Tom

Lefty approach has been great… a lot of batted balls up the middle and the other way.

Probably just perception but when the Yankees face a tough pitcher they seem a little less pull happy (Tex is still trying to pull everything but that’s his swing these past few years).

JFH

When did Teixeira close his stance?

Cy Pettitte

“You can’t lose to the Oakland A’s”

you can when Piniero is pitching.

Karl Krawfid

Thank you Phil.

You should do that more often.

teddy

good job hughes

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Nice quick Phifth for Phil.

flamingo

Did Phil just have a 1-2-3?!

Chen Meng Wang

on like 5 pitches as well.

nedro

Hack-tastic.

Tom

Dickerson for Mitre deal… not quite Swisher for Betemit… but the fact they got anything for Mitre is a steal!

Cy Pettitte

and then they got Mitre back fo free. lol.

Jetrer

doesn’t that cancel out any value they get from Dickerson?

ArchStanton

No, it’s better than one of those player to be named deals where the player turns out to be himself. They traded Mitre for Dickerson and Mitre!

Jetrer

I’d be willing to give up Dickerson to keep Mitre away from the Yankees

Chen Meng Wang

So, I laid down at like 8 o clock and told myself “don’t fall asleep or you’ll miss half the Yankee game and wont be able to fall asleep again. guess what happened?

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

You Phell asleep. That’s why I always DVR the game if I Phall asleep before the game.

Chen Meng Wang

Yep, knocked out cold. Sadly I don’t have DVR :( somebody what to run down the scoring for me?

Bartolo’s Colon

all you have to know is that c-dick took felix deep

Chen Meng Wang

C-Dick? as in Chris Dickerson? How the hell? I saw the six runs and my first thought was “Isn’t Felix supposed to be on the mound?”

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

It was a BOMB too.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Tex with a solo homer, Dickerson with a two run bomb, to go along with RBI’s by Chavez, Gardner, and Jeter.

mbonzo

You missed it, Andy Pettitte came out of retirment and hit a grandslam off of Felix Hernandez. Then Mike Mussina came by to give Phil Hughes some pointers on how to throw like an old man. Weirdest game I’ve ever seen.

Chen Meng Wang

Well, at least Phil will be able to pitch well now then, right? Now that you bring it up, would it be a bad idea to put Phil in contact with a guy like Mussina, talk to him about pitching with diminished stuff?

mbonzo

He’s got plenty of fellow pitchers on the team to teach him that, when/if he gets his stuff back, he’ll not only be an over-powering pitcher, he’ll be a smart pitcher. This is how guys like Verlander and created.

Cy Pettitte

Phail. Phorgot to set your alarm clock? Phor shame.

Bob Stone

LOL – Been there, done that – but not tonight. I took a nap from 6:30 to 8:00.

Montero’s Mojo

I haven’t been able to see Romine’s at bats… Does he look as though he’s capable of hitting at the utmost level? I’d hate to think that Montero won’t get his fair share of reps behind the plate.

Hummingbird S.

looked out..

pop up teixeira

come on Phil

teddy

he out, might want to start getting the pen up

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Here we phucking go….

Karl Krawfid

No Phaith in Phil?

flamingo

Why do I feel like Phil had better location in that downpour than he has tonight?

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

He’s better as the weather gets worse. He’s the Tom Brady of major league baseball, except he’s not the greatest human being on the planet that has the most perfect life.

Bob Stone

6.1 innings with one run. Phil hasn’t had his A game especially in terms of control, but how can you complaiin about this performance? Granted, it’s against a poor offense, but even so, it’s a pretty good job.

ArchStanton

Hold that thought….

Tom

5.1 innings

Bob Stone

Thank you for the correction – Now 5.2 innings.

forensic

5.1 innings, and that one run isn’t it yet.

Bob Stone

I hoping it is.

Bob Stone

6.0 innings 1 run – not bad.

Hummingbird S.

I think hes been shitty actually. He only throws 2 pitches and cant command neither. Also hes put 8 baserunners on so far against the worst offense in the league in only 5.2 innings.

forensic

Superficially good, like his last start against them. Too many base runners and a good team wouldn’t have let him off the hook like them again.

Jetrer

8 baserunners includes an infield single and a bogus walk that should have been a K. He wasn’t great, but he was hardly shitty.

http://highfirstpitch.wordpress.com/ Stratman9652

So far I’m impressed by Romine behind the plate, looks like a legitimate catcher. Should be interesting to see if he can hit at the Major league level though.

Hummingbird S.

Comon Joe, if he doesnt get Olivo out pull him

Jetrer

strike

Karl Krawfid

Phil Hughes wants to blow this

JT

Romine likes to pretend to throw to second.

swishers fauxhawk

I’d like to know where that missed

Chen Meng Wang

Is it just me or has Phil had a tight strike zone..I’ve only been watching since top 5 though so I can’t be sure.

mbonzo

Yup, no calls on the black.

Tom

Ump has been giving the outside strike on lefty hitters (to both pitchers) and has been tight on the inside strike to lefties (both pitchers)

Tom

Brooks link seems to be consistent with what it looks like on TV (I’m watching the Mariners feed)

Good thing they aren’t playing the Angels, otherwise that ball would of dropped in.

mbonzo

Bloop grandslam for Aybar.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Infield grandslam for Mathis.

flamingo

*breaths*

One more out, Phil, come on

mbonzo

Hughes needs to locate that curveball and tighten it up.

Chen Meng Wang

Phil got lucky there…that curve hung just a bit…

Greg

It hung a bit, but it was down and away so Olivo couldnt drive it.

Montero’s Mojo

Strike, Strike, Single
Strike, Strike… Walk
Strike, Strike… ?

This Phil Hughes… He’s good, huh?

Montero’s Mojo

Will he EVER learn to be more efficient? What does he average… 20 pitches an inning?

Chen Meng Wang

He doesn’t have a real strike out pitch now that he’s only at 91-93…causing a lot of phoul balls, driving his pitch count up. It also doesn’t help he goes to a full count on everybody.

Montero’s Mojo

Where’s Mussina to mentor when you need him? After watching Phil shag balls at batting practice the other day… you know what? I think he’s kind of a dick. I am NOT a Phan of Phil Phucking Hughes. Guy needs to learn how to pitch. Put him in the bullpen or teach the guy how to throw effectively.

Jetrer

17.2 this season

forensic

Thats the second worst in the league.

Tom

I think that’s called Scott Kazmir-like efficiency….

Montero’s Mojo

Or Dice-BB-like efficieny.

teddy

hughes curveball is trash

Cy Pettitte

Phil says no runs for you.

Chen Meng Wang

The numbers say solid six innings from Hughes. QS for him.

Jetrer

collective sigh of relief now

Rey22

6 IP 1 R looks good on paper, but damn Hughes did not make that look easy.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Betancs for the 7th and 8th, Brackman for the 9th.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

*Betances

Chen Meng Wang

Yes. Romine with his first btw. Cherry officially popped.

Montero’s Mojo

I like Betancs better. Buh-Tonks. Sounds Cajun.

pop up teixeira

way to get out of it Phil

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

And the inning is phinally over.

mbonzo

First of many for Romine.

Karl Krawfid

Grats Romine

flamingo

Congrats Romine!

Hummingbird S.

Congrats Romine!

Cy Pettitte

Romine! yay first hit.

David N

Way to go Romine, welcome to the bigs.

teddy

congrats romine, he swung that very well tonight

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

He can’t hit…..

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Nice hit for Romine.

Bob Stone

Congrats Austin Romine!

MikeD

Congrats, Austin. Jesus at DH and Austin behind the plate is something we may be seeing for years to come.

Mariano’s Pimp Hand

w00t, way to go!

pop up teixeira

congrats Romine on your first MLB hit!

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Yeah Romine!

Chen Meng Wang

DON’T TALK ABOUT JEANO LIKE THAT MICHEAL!!!

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

What’d he say?

BK2ATL

Welcome to the big leagues, Romine!!!

Chip

Wow, Romine has decent speed for a catcher. He got a great jump too

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Derek Jeter ain’t dead yet folks

MikeD

Still loving retro Jeter again. There was a point where I thought we’d never see line drives to right again.

Chen Meng Wang

Trust me you weren’t alone. I thought he was done being a .300 hitter. I’ve never been so happy to be wrong.

Bob Stone

Same here. I felt the same way.

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

There was a point where I thought we’d never see him PULL a ball again.

MikeD

That, too. Happy to see hard-hit balls out of the infield. He’s always hit the infield dribblers, but that was all he was hitting for a year straight.

Three more years of retro Jeter, please, if I may get greedy.

Bartolo’s Colon

I brought this up a ways back, but I remember back in June, there was a guy on here who was certain jeter would finish the year with a higher ops than gardner, rab collectively pointed and laughed at him (myself included) and now jeter has got gardner beat by about 20 points, how is that dude not gloating?

MikeD

Who was it…or it this your humble was of saying it was you?

Bartolo’s Colon

I have no idea, it wasn’t me, i said this above. but it happened in june or so, and started a big argument, i think it was a game thread, but i don’t have the energy to check, does no one else remember this, maybe i dreamed it?

http://deleted Total Dominication

Curtis, you have wronged my fantasy team of late. Redeem yourself with some garbage time production for me.

teddy

hahhhhhhhhh romine

flamingo

All RIGHT, Grandy!

Chen Meng Wang

Austin Romine deserves his own laugh track on the bases.

Cy Pettitte

Teix slam, blow it wide open.

Bartolo’s Colon

if nothing else, romine is graceful on the basepaths

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Here comes a Tex Slam

teddy

break it open some more and betances or brackman please

http://deleted Total Dominication

Is Betances activated?

Chen Meng Wang

According to yankees.com he is.

teddy

yea, awful at bat by teix

Tom

Time to Proctor/Laffey proof this game….

Tom

3-1, 93mph right down the middle… how did he miss that?

And then a 3-2 fail….

Hummingbird S.

That has to be one of the ugliest swings ever. Terrible.

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

That was embarrassing, Tex.

Bob Stone

Tex swung at ball four twice.

Orlando

the pitch was by his throat

Montero’s Mojo

Hooray Tex, you twat!

Chen Meng Wang

Cano has been BEAST with the bases loaded this season.

Cy Pettitte

3-1

here we go

mbonzo

Between all the iPad and Red Bull talk, I feel like I’m watching a commercial.

Chen Meng Wang

product placement at it’s finest.

Orlando

Kay is fucking annoying!!!

http://highfirstpitch.wordpress.com/ Stratman9652

Dammit guys stop swinging at ball four.

Hummingbird S.

Cano swung at ball four, five and six

Chen Meng Wang

It worked out though =D

Tom

Mariner announcers talking about how good his FB is getting poor contact on the FB… they apparently don’t notice that Tex and Cano have been swinging at pitches out of the zone

Greg

How about that?

teddy

i love cano

flamingo

ROBBIE! DONTCHA KNOW!

http://deleted Total Dominication

Beast.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Betances time!!

Hummingbird S.

Beast Mode Robbie.

mbonzo

I feel like Cano can get a hit whenever the hell he wants.

Rey22

This is seriously what it looks like a bunch of the time.

Bob Stone

GREAT fucking at bat Robbie!!!

Sarah

The blowout we’ve been waiting for has arrived!

http://www.riveraveblues.com Mike Axisa

Nice job Robbie, even if you swung at ball four like, ten times.

Hummingbird S.

whatever works, right?

Bob Stone

Picky, picky picky. You have to like the result despite the approach.

http://Www.or.ly MeGustaMontero (JM)

/Anti-Matt’d

jon

walks are for sissys

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

Nice at bat.

Ivan

That is just ridiculous hitting there by Cano. You just cant teach that.

Cy Pettitte

Robbie WOW. such a good hitter.

Orlando

Asi mismo Robinson que bueno!!!!

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Robinson Cano: He’s just better than you

Karl Krawfid

Oh yes!

pop up teixeira

what an at bat by Cano

Bartolo’s Colon

oh yeah, i forgot, the yankees have an awesome offense

http://deleted Total Dominication

Killer B’s (righty editions) time.

BK2ATL

Take a walk when you swing like Robbie Cano??? How dare you??? Hahaha!!!

Chen Meng Wang

Robbie has so much strength the other way it’s almost unfair. If you were to show me just the ball going into left field, I’d swear a righty pulled an inside fast ball.

forensic

I’ve been getting on Granderson lately, but that was impressive baserunning. I don’t know how he read it that well and scored from first on that.

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

His 128th run scored of the season. Ridic.

Tom

His baserunning is top notch (and reads)… if you believe the advanced statistics at fangraphs (bsr), there are only 2 guys in baseball this year better on the bases (Andrus and Bourne).

BK2ATL

Ummm…..Betances or Brackman now please. No excuses, Girardi. You can rest your bullpen now. Do the right thing.

6 IP, 1 R but wasn’t very efficient. Lots of base runners and lots of long counts.

Tom

That AB reminded me of the AB Cano had against Baltimore a while back (and hit a grandslam after seeing 7 straight fastballs)

Cano got 10 straight 4 seam fastballs in that AB… the only surprising result was he stayed in the park.

mbonzo

Proctor :/

Bob Stone

You called that right.

forensic

He’s so important for the future of the organization though. Why would you rather see veteran retreads like Betan…

Wait, what?

http://deleted Total Dominication

Cano’s OPS with the bases loaded this year is over 1700. That’s 1.700.

Chen Meng Wang

Cano, from the Latin meaning Beast.

Bob Stone

I wonder how Mattingly’s ’87 season with 6 Grand Slams compares to that.

forensic

Mattingly was at 1.902.

Bob Stone

That’s an incredible number! Thanks for the look up.

flamingo

Why Proctor?

flamingo

Reply fail. But my point stands nonetheless.

teddy

swisher struggline with hitting a sac fly lately

MikeD

Brackman, please.

Or

Betances, please.

Why do I think it will be neither?

Cy Pettitte

if not now, when?

BK2ATL

Because of you-know-who….sooo get ready for more Proctor or Laffey.

Montero’s Mojo

The he-who-shall-not-be-named?

BK2ATL

There’s no fucking reason to roll Scott Proctor out there right now. You just called up these young arms who might have a future in the Bronx. 8 run lead. Rather than using the opportunity to see what Brackman and Betances actually have, rather than reading scouting reports, you put in….Scott Fucking Proctor????

Montero’s Mojo

I don’t think that Girardi understands the importance of having someone like Betances on playoff roster… Look at what David Price did in 2008 (I believe it was ’08)

forensic

They’ve scored plenty and have the game well in hand, but again they failed to get a run home from 3rd with less than 2 out. I think that’s 3 times tonight.

Karl Krawfid

Betances for the 8th.

Brackman for the 9th.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Girardi is a moron. A 9-1 game against the Mariners, where else are you gonna get Betances some work?

Cy Pettitte

fuck, Scott Proctor? why? go away Scott.

Chen Meng Wang

Poor route there by Grandy…

Montero’s Mojo

WTF Swish! Damnit, dude, get that extra run in! And why the FUCK is the Butt Doctor in? Where the hell is Betances and Brackman? Why have that kind of fire power around if you’re not even going to use them?

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Because Scott Proctor has veteran presents.

Montero’s Mojo

Like frankincense and myrrh?

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Whatever works for Girardi. To him below average veterans > promising rookies.

Montero’s Mojo

This here is a legitimate reason to rag on Girardi. It… doesn’t make sense… his affinity for less-than-average relievers.

Karl Krawfid

Grandy should have had that.

Bob Stone

Probably – for some reason he got turned around on that ball. Not something he usually does. Remember that Safeco is a BIG ball park though.

forensic

I actually think he does often take bad routes and get bad jumps on balls, which is why he should be in LF (not that many people disagree on that part because of Gardner’s awesome D).

jon

woot backmoster in the pen

mbonzo

BRACKMONEY!

Chen Meng Wang

Wow, Torre hated his bullpen guys, huh?

Bobtaco

Brack Monster up

Cy Pettitte

BRACKMAN!

holy shit yes

Rey22

Brackman sighting! :O
Hope he pitches the 8th. That’d be exciting.

Greg

Brackman is now up in the pen along with Logan

JFH

It must suck to be a M’s fan.

flamingo

Eh, I have a friend who’s a Mariners fan. She tells me she’s used to losing, victory is sweeter, etc.

Chen Meng Wang

I think that’s b/s though. Winning is fun no matter how often you do it.

flamingo

I don’t get it, either.

jon

i get that

i get pissed when the yankees only win by 8

JFH

Further proof that the human mind can justify anything.

Tom

I live up in the NW and it’s amazing the wait til next year/we got unlucky in 2010 attitude that exists. And now Felix/Pineda = get a few pieces and they are back in contention.

They had a winning record in ’09 (despite being outscored) and then they added Lee and thought “we should contend” (not realizing it was the ’09 year that was the lucky year). Since they regressed they assumed it was a luck issue.

Jack Z also walks on water and can do no wrong… the SABR crowd really likes him too and have spent much time talking about how Smoak was a much better choice than Montero for Lee; how the Figgins deal looks bad in hindsight but was not a terrible decision at the time…. etc… etc…

JFH

I am not much for being a hater, But after the C Lee deal, I am close to that with Jack Z. At the very least, I want Montero to become the “one that got away” for the M’s.

MikeD

UZR king at it again.

mbonzo

Bourjas woulda got to that, whether he caught it is another discussion.

Bob Stone

Great catch Gardy!!!!!

jon

garder is so good out there

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

There’s Grandy’s UZR

teddy

so brackman next inning

Cy Pettitte

Gold Glove Gardy gets it!

Montero’s Mojo

Please, please, please put in 2/3 of the killer B’s!

Chip

Gardner is just good at baseball

Tom

Goddamn if Gardner’s not one of the smoothest looking fielders on that ball to his left going back (especially in contrast to Granderson who has trouble with that exact ball)

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Brackman in the eighth and Betances in the ninth please.

mbonzo

I think Brackman may be our 8th and 9th inning guy.

ArchStanton

Is there any reason to think Valdes can get left-handers out? Not sure why he’s on the team as he hasn’t sniffed action while Laffey has been getting his butt handed to him.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

The binder says he has no value.

mbonzo

Adam Jones is not a certified star FYI.

MikeD

Regarding UZR, Fangraphs uses that for its fielding metric, correct?

Regardless, Peter Bourjos was at 9.2+ heading into yesterday’s game with the Yankees where he bothed up two balls.

So what’s his fielding metric today? How much did it go down you ask. It didn’t. It went up to 9.4+.

Haven’t a clue.

mbonzo

I might be wrong, but I think errors are counted as fielded balls in UZR since its a demonstration of range.

MikeD

The problem I have with many advanced fielding meterics is a lack of transparency. We see base hits. We know how BA and OBP and SLG is calculated. We can double check against park factors.

With fielding, we don’t get to see how each play is scored in UZR, or Dewan’s plus/minus. Maybe it exists somewhere, but I haven’t found it. So while I understand the concept, and agree with much of it, what I don’t like is I can’t score the scorers. It’s a match equation, there is input, but I can’t see it easily. That’s why many people have problems with it.

MikeD

…math equation…

Jetrer

I don’t think that UZR is update daily, so yesterday’s game may not be included. Not sure about that though.

Tom

I believe fangraphs does its UZR updates every 2 weeks.

I looked to see if Granderson’s UZR had changed after the 2 OF assists (which should impact the armR component in UZR and it hadn’t changed)

Cy Pettitte

Betances gettin loose!

http://deleted Total Dominication

B’s!!!!!!!!

teddy

betances and brackan warming , giadri is toying with our emotions

Rey22

Ok, so Brackman sat down and Betances is up. I’ll settle for either one!

Chip

Betances, this is going to get fun fast

Bobtaco

Unleash the B’s!

forensic

Heh, Girardi’s just playing mind games with everyone. They’re really just up to throw a bullpen session and Proctor and Laffey will finish the game…

Bob Stone

That wouldn’t surprise me.

Bobtaco

Annnnnd Proor back out there…. Boo.

forensic

Yup, and there’s Proctor still out there…

forensic

And there’s Laffey warming up. I bet he’d be pitching if Proctor hadn’t allowed those runs.

mbonzo

There is a freak show in the bullpen, Mariners fans watching Brackman and Betances warm up must feel like they’re at a circus watching giants pitch.

Wil Nieves Number 1 Fan

I fucking love Bruce Springsteen.

Chen Meng Wang

Dude I didn’t know the Betances family lived like two towns over from me. The restaurant I work at delivers to Teaneck regularly… I’m going door to door with menus tomorrow lol.

Montero’s Mojo

Jeter, please stay away from this abundance of groundouts. Thank you.

Karl Krawfid

Come on Joe damn.

Cy Pettitte

Proctor again? ugh. Joe is really messing with my emotions.

http://deleted Total Dominication

??????

teddy

fuck you giradri, whats the point of callinh them up if giadri won’t pitch them

Greg

Giadri?

mbonzo

Who you callinh a Giadri?

Montero’s Mojo

Thanks, Girardi, ya cock knocker.

Cy Pettitte

the gods want Betances to pitch.

Karl Krawfid

Joe G finds a way to make a blowout win feel like shit.

Greg

If you feel like shit after this game, then you must be an unhappy man.

teddy

nice scoop swisher

Bob Stone

Proctor is throwing some heat – 94-95 mph

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

What happened to my comment? I guess it got stuck with Betances and Brackman…

Tom

Proctor working his way on to the post season roster?

/Ilovememysecurityblankets

Rey22

Funny thing is my confidence level with him is about the same than it is with Soriano.

flamingo

PULL PROCTOR. NOW.

Chen Meng Wang

Ok, pull Scotty please. Put in anybody(except Brackman) and lets close this out.

BK2ATL

I’m gonna go out on a limb here and say that our fucking manager is probably auditioning Scott Fucking Proctor for a postseason roster spot….

There’s no other sensible reason for this, esp. vs. a weak offense like Seattle. The kids should be pitching at least an inning a piece.

Bob Stone

I think you have it right.

Cy Pettitte

I can haz Betances now?

mbonzo

Not tonight buddy.

Bob Stone

Vintage Proctor. He’s working hard to create a save situation for Mariano.

Chen Meng Wang

I don’t think that’s fair, Proctor was awesome for us for a couple years.

Karl Krawfid

Ayala?

Fucking Joe man.

Greg

Do I have to break out the WAAAAAAAAAAAH again?

C’mon Man

Tom

Figured it out…. Girardi trying to work this game to save #600?

Either that or trying to get Proctor the always fun 3 inning, scorer’s discretion save

SevenAces

When is this Proctor/Laffey experiment going to end?

Tom

Sadly when Girardi decides which one he’s going to carry on the postseason roster.

You think he’s playing Nunex in RF the other for kicks? (against a right? with Dickerson on the bench? or another right option like Golson?)

He’s trying to figure out a way to carry Montero and Posada without needing a 5th OF like Dickerson so he can still get that extra bullpen arm.

Tom

wow spelling, typing and English fails in that one… oops…

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

I bet one of them is gonna be on the playoff roster.

Greg

It will probably be Laffey as Boone protection

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

It would be hilarious if they do that and not give Raul Valdez any innings.

Greg

They might not pitch in a game until we clinch a playoff spot.

Hummingbird S.

as long as we get to see Proctor and Laffeym who cares about anything else

Bobtaco

Grandy back?

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

Why the Phuck isn’t Girardi using Brackman or Betances to at least get an inning in to get their feet wet?

The entry summarizes everything. For the real meat and potatoes, check out the articles that are referenced.

BK2ATL

I trust that Texas’ GM Jon Daniels is telling the truth in this matter and Jack Z. downplayed the communication after it became public. He was saving face.

Pat D

The irony is that the M’s scouting director was fired and Jack Z-redneck gets a contract extension.

Tom

Someone had to fall on the swords and Jack Z still walks on water up in the northwest….

He gave some lip service about reviewing their vetting systems but that’s a stretch when if they had done a mere Google search they probably would have found that info (Even if what Daniels told him was true how does a professional front office not followup on the details of something like that independently)

I also tend to believe Daniels on this one.

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

Wow. What a degenerate.

jon

well i guess the ump gets points for consistency

Karl Krawfid

AYALA WHY

Chen Meng Wang

Well there goes seeing the B’s tonight.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

Ayala? come on…can Girardi at least bring in Raul Valdez?

Rey22

Dammit Girardi. Such a tease. Warm Betances and Brackman…but give us Proctor and Ayala.

teddy

i pretty sure betances can out pitch proctor in relief, tb using moore in relief

Naved

I hate Joe right now.

Chen Meng Wang

Dude, Brackman is HUGE

jon

so is dellin

i saw him in AA and its crazy you really dont even notice HOW big till hes walking back to the dugout and dwarfs all the other players

Chen Meng Wang

Yeah, when they said he was 6’7″ I said wow…I never knew he was so big.

I hate Girardi even more. The Yankees won the game, and I still can’t stand this guy, my God.

Karl Krawfid

Fucking Laffey.

Joe is a bitch.

Greg

Great point made earlier.

Joe is prepping for an AJ meltdown

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

I bet you if AJ gets lit up we still don’t see the B’s.

forensic

He’d use Noesi for that.

Rey22

That Olivo HR probably cost the B’s a shot to appear in this game :/

Chen Meng Wang

Personally I think that is a weak hazing. Phil’s rookie year was awesome, the Wizard of Oz.

Tom

Brackman getting loose for the 10th inning!
(or getting work in)

Chen Meng Wang

Am I the only one happy with the win?

http://deleted Total Dominication

Theeeeeee Yankees win!!!!

Bob Stone

Good win Yankees!

flamingo

Theeeeee Yankees win! Against King Felix! For the first time!

Naved

I dont think I ever been this mad at a 9-3 victory in a long time.

BK2ATL

LMAO but I’m the same way right now. Tight. WTF is with our manager???

And he’s the very first one to complain about such-and-such pitcher is not available today due to…..

You got two of our talented kids in the bullpen, ready to go, in a low-risk situation, versus a weak offense, with a 8 run lead and you roll out Scott Proctor and Luis Ayala?????

forensic

They don’t have the required 20 days of inaction and rust on them before being forced to use them in the 14th inning of a game yet…

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

If it weren’t for that game, Noesi would have pitched 0 big league innings this year.

http://johnsterling.blogspot.com/ Xstar7

4 games up on the Red Sox in the division. Nice round number. And now the magic number is the ol’ Phil Rizzuto.

BK2ATL

But the Rays are the team to watch in Sept. We have 2 series with them, and they are already dismantling Boston. They are getting hot at the exact right time of the year, and they’re young and healthy. Keep your eyes on the Rays as Boston fades.

http://bleedingyankeeblue.com Phil Phuckin’ Hughes

So what’d you guys think of Phil?

BK2ATL

Got the job done. Not overwhelming, got squeezed and hit pretty often, but didn’t implode against a weak offense. No matter vs. whoever, you can’t be too mad at a 6 inning, 1 run outing.

Freddy Garcia’s 86 mph Heat

I thought he did what he needed to do against a bad ophense. He looked great in some innings, and shaky in others but he was able to not give up any runs. 1 run in 6 innings is great phor him, especially against a pitcher like Felix.

Bill

Romine seems like a smart player and a likable guy from his postgame interview.